It is entirely possible that domestic difficulties had a bearing on the
lean years and on the artist’s health. However, it is also possible that
these were the years he used for work outside the city of Washington; it
was in April 1871 that Brumidi wrote to the Architect of the Capitol
mentioning the decorations in St. Stephen’s Church in New York.
I remembered, also, that the Congressional Bill, finally signed by the
President on June 9, 1880, directing the payment of $500 to the children
of Brumidi, actually named these children as
“Elena Brumidi of Rome, Italy
“Laurence S. Brumidi of Washington, District of Columbia.”
Immediately I attached added significance to two letters about Brumidi
that I had recently found in the Capitol Brumidi file. One of these, a
letter written in Rome, on June 14, 1879, by Brumidi’s daughter, Elena,
evidently to the Architect of the Capitol, reads as follows:
“I hope, if I mistake not, that you have a memory of my name. When
I came to Washington in 1871 to embrace my poor father, I had the
pleasure to be introduced by him to you. I beg your pardon if I
take now the liberty to disturb you, but I am sure you will do me
the good office I ask because I know your kindness.
“It is today a month since I have not received any news from my
father, and it is the first time since 27 years he resided in the
United States. Unhappily I know that he is very sick since some
time and confined in the bed, as you surely know. But, though in
that state he has always written regularly to me. I am dreadfully
afraid for this long silence; I fear some great misfortune. I beg
you to inform me about his health, whatever it may be. At the same
time I am desirous of learning something about the real situation
of his private interest, and you understand the reason of this
inquiry.
“I am obliged to apply to you, sir, because you are a friend of my
poor father, and I rely upon your kindness for him and also for his
daughter, beyond your situation in the Capitol. I pray you to keep
the secret about this my letter.
“I beg to forgive my troubling you so much. I wait your answer
truly with a great trepidation and I send to you in advance my
sincere thanks.”